Deepfake video calls: how to spot an AI-generated face

Can scammers fake a live video call?

Yes — but real-time deepfakes still break under pressure. They struggle with fast movement, occlusion (something passing in front of the face), and spontaneous actions they can't pre-plan. The trick is to make the call un-scripted.

How do you spot a deepfake on a video call?

Run two or three of these live. A real person passes them instantly; a fake stalls, warps, or refuses:

1. Ask them to turn their head fully sideways — real-time fakes warp at the profile.
2. Ask them to pass a hand slowly in front of their face — fakes glitch on occlusion.
3. Request a spontaneous action: "wave with your left hand," "hold up three fingers."
4. Watch the eyes and mouth — unnatural blinking, lag between speech and lips, mismatched reflections.
5. Notice lighting that doesn't match the room, or edges of the face that shimmer.

What about AI-generated profile photos?

Before the call, the photos are often AI-generated too. Look for warped backgrounds, melted jewellery, odd hands, asymmetric glasses or earrings, and a uniformly "too perfect" look across every shot. One reverse-image search can also reveal a stolen real photo.

What if you're still not sure?

Then don't proceed as if they're verified. Keep the relationship slow, never move money, and don't share private images or personal documents. Uncertainty is a reason to wait, not to push forward and hope.

Frequently asked questions

Are deepfake video calls common in dating scams?

They're rising fast as the tools get cheaper. Most scammers still rely on refusing calls or using stolen photos, but assume a live call can be faked and test it actively.

Does a successful video call prove someone is real?

Not on its own anymore. Combine it with reverse-image search, a consistent social footprint, and — above all — the rule that you never send money to someone you've only met online.